20 May Summer Fun on a Budget: How to Enjoy the Season Without Derailing Your Financial Goals
Summer is the season of sunshine, vacations, and memory-making—but it’s also a time when expenses can quickly spiral out of control, especially for families working toward financial freedom. If you’re enrolled in a debt relief or financial coaching program, you might feel like fun is off-limits—but that doesn’t have to be the case.
With a little planning, some creativity, and the right mindset, you can still enjoy a memorable summer without blowing your budget. In this post, we’ll share strategies for vacationing affordably, prioritizing your spending, and keeping kids entertained without breaking the bank.
🎯 Set Your Priorities: Needs vs. Wants
Before booking anything or planning activities, take a step back and revisit your financial goals. Are you working to pay off debt? Build your emergency fund? Improve your credit?
Use this moment to review your budget and clarify:
- What are your non-negotiable needs this summer? (e.g., bills, groceries, childcare)
- What are your wants that bring joy but can be scaled back if needed?
This doesn’t mean saying no to fun—it means choosing intentional fun. When you know your top financial priorities, you can plan experiences that don’t derail your progress.
💡 Pro tip: Include the whole family in a “wants vs. needs” conversation. It’s a great teaching opportunity for kids and a helpful reset for adults too.
🌴 Vacationing While in a Financial Program
Vacations don’t have to be expensive to be memorable. Here are budget-smart ways to enjoy a break without setting your financial goals back:
1. Explore Local Getaways
Check out hidden gems within a few hours’ drive. State parks, lakes, and charming small towns often offer low-cost fun with natural beauty and fewer crowds.
2. Travel Midweek or Off-Peak
Hotels and attractions are often cheaper midweek or during off-peak times. If your schedule allows, shift your trip by a day or two to cut costs significantly.
3. Leverage Travel Rewards
If you’ve been responsibly using a credit card with travel rewards (and not carrying a balance!), see if you can redeem points for hotels or gas.
4. Use the “Boost Your Benefits” Page
If you’re in the Level Coaching program, don’t forget to check the Boost Your Benefits page. Many clients overlook this, but it’s packed with discounts, budgeting tools, and offers that can save real money during the summer months.
🎡 Entertaining Kids Without Overspending
When school’s out, the spending often ramps up. Here’s how to keep your kids happy and your wallet intact:
🏕️ DIY Summer Camps
Create themed weeks at home—arts & crafts, science experiments, cooking challenges, or backyard camping. Pinterest and YouTube are goldmines for free activity ideas.
🎟️ Look for Free Community Events
Libraries, city parks, local museums, and even home improvement stores often host free activities or workshops during the summer.
🎫 Use Discount Programs
Check your local parks and rec department for discount swim passes, summer camp scholarships, or free lunch programs. Also check Boost Your Benefits for coupons and family-friendly deals.
📅 Build a Weekly Fun Plan
Create a simple weekly calendar of budget-friendly outings. For example:
- Monday: Library day
- Wednesday: Water balloon fight or sprinkler fun
- Friday: Family movie night at home with homemade popcorn
Structure keeps kids engaged and cuts down on the “I’m bored” complaints that often lead to impulse spending.
🧠 Stay Focused—Fun Shouldn’t Mean Financial Setback
While it’s tempting to “treat yourself” more in the summer months, remember that consistency wins in financial transformation. It’s 100% possible to enjoy life while staying on track—especially when your fun is intentional.
Before every purchase, ask:
- Is this aligned with my current priorities?
- Is there a more budget-friendly version of this?
- Will this bring lasting joy or short-term gratification?
🌟 Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t have to be expensive to be amazing. By setting clear priorities, being creative with your entertainment, and using the tools available to you (like the Boost Your Benefits page!), you can enjoy the season while continuing to build toward financial freedom.
Ready to Master Summer Budgeting?
If you’re looking for more strategies tailored to your situation, your Level Coach is here to help. Book a check-in to create a custom summer spending plan that works for your goals and your lifestyle.
Stay cool and stay committed—you’ve got this. ☀️💪
Written by Nichole Olds,
May 2025